Syria: New Government Restricts Aid Operations- Repressive Controls Over Relief Efforts Maintained. The Syrian transitional government’s stringent application of registration and operational requirements on aid groups is hampering their ability to scale up operations, Human Rights Watch said today. While the authorities have signaled a willingness to engage with international organizations, bureaucratic and administrative hurdles continue to impede efforts to address Syria’s escalating humanitarian crisis. The transitional government has an opportunity to dismantle the restrictive framework that hindered independent humanitarian work for years,” said Adam Coogle, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. “Instead of reinstating practices that undermine neutrality and efficiency, the authorities should be prioritizing getting all available assistance to those in need..
